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Pre-writing Strategies to Gather Ideas Before Writing
Setting the stage for success
For many, writing creates apprehension and uncertainty. The first stage of the writing process reduces negative emotions as it provides strategies that encourage writers to begin the journey to a completed piece of writing. With prewriting, writers record ideas before they begin to feel the uncertainty of what to write; they have already begun their journeys to success.
Prewriting prompts the gathering of ideas. This stage promotes opportunities to cognitively record what is known before formulating a draft. A process that begins with the first draft forcing words into the confinements of the current selected structure limits the free flow of ideas. Beginning to draft before mental preparation invites writer’s block, frustration, and a desire to quit. The objective of a prewrite is to organize the mind for writing by investigating not only what knowledge the writer owns but exploring what more information is required; it promotes motivation to write.
The prewriting strategies below have been proven successful with beginning and veteran writers. During this stage, writers learn to make decisions about the topic as they ask questions: Do I know enough about this topic to continue? How can I gather more information? What relationships exist? Do I like this topic?
Writers who experiment to determine what works and empowers their writing build a writing process that enriches their style and improves productivity.
Below are definitions and examples of different prewriting strategies. Each of the examples shares ideas generated on the topic of camping. This allows for a comparison of each. Notice how some activities are best when the focus remains fuzzy, but others help develop details and descriptions.
Brainstorming encourages uncensored list
Sometimes writers stall, causing writer’s block because they worry if the words are appropriate, meets the objective or follow grammar rules. Brainstorming allows writers to capture their ideas on paper without these worries.
Brainstorming rules
- Do write all ideas that come to mind.
Do not censor ideas.
